Director Tim Nelson and Choreographer Diane Makis bring their very talented Southern California high school students to the Fort Salem stage to reprise their winter musical, Li’l Abner, the classic Broadway show based on Al Capp’s comic strip, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer and music by Gene DePaul. Written in 1956, sixty years ahead of its time, this broad spook of hillbillies is more importantly a pointed satire on topics ranging from American politics and incompetence in the United States federal government to political correctness and gender stereotypes. In years past their students who have graced the Fort’s stage have gone on to enjoy successful Broadway careers. See if you can spot next season’s stars.

SPECIAL PRICING: $20 ALL ADULTS; $10 STUDENTS (through high school)

JUNE 23-25: FRIDAY and SATURDAY* at 8 PM/SUNDAY at 2PM

Rip Van Winkle, The Musical is an adaptation of Washington Irving’s familiar tale, expanding the legend into a highly spirited, wonderfully touching theatrical piece appealing to the entire family. Inspired by numerous trips to the Catskill Mountains, the project was inspired by interviews with local residents, study of Irving's original text, and influences found in several nineteenth century theatrical versions of the story. Director/composer Tim Nelson brings his talented adult troupe from The Rose Center Theater in Westminster, California. You’re sure to fall in love with the old-fashioned charm of the colorful characters!

JULY 14-16: FRIDAY and SATURDAY at 8 PM/SUNDAY at 2PM

Meryl Streep won an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Florence Foster Jenkins in the film that was inspired by this Broadway musical, Souvenir, which starred Tony-winner Judy Kaye. In a coproduction with Bridge Street Theatre in Catskill, real-life diva Alison Davy is joined in this fictionalized remembrance of “the world’s worst opera singer” by the Fort’s Jay Kerr, under the steady directorial hand of Florence Hayle (Senior Moments and Beautiful Girls). Moving and very musical. Kerr, who recorded with Miss Kaye and truly admires the voice of his current costar, opines; “It takes a really good singer to sing so bad!”

From J. Peter Bergman's review (Berkshire Bright Focus) of the Bridge Street Theatre production in March: "Alison Davy is a dynamo … laughably brilliant… touch[es] you to the depths of your humorous soul. … all the right choices…I loved every minute of her performance. Kerr … is lovely with just the right sense of the sardonic … plays piano with a carefree touch, sings … with equal grace … delivers nicely on every point … excellent."

JULY 21-23: FRIDAY and SATURDAY* at 8 PM/SUNDAY at 2PM

Dancer, author, philosopher and musician Kimerer LaMothe synthesizes the eleven-year journey upon which composer/pianist Geoffrey Gee and she were led by their five children. Happy If…, Happy When…, supported by a LARAC grant,** follows a sophisticated suburban family to a chaotic farm life in rural Washington County. We’ve all watched them grow, as artists and citizens of the world. As the members of the collectively gifted LaMothe/Gee Family tell their story in book musical form, they laugh, they sing, they dance, and they amaze.
**This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council.